Ava

I smiled gratefully as Clara pulled up to my house. "Thank you so much for getting me home on time," I said, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

Clara smiled warmly. "It's my pleasure."

As she stepped out of the car, I felt a pang of guilt. I had relied on her driving skills all evening, and now she was leaving without much fuss. "How will you get home?" I asked, concern creeping into my voice.

"It's easy, I'll just take a cab," she replied nonchalantly.

Something about her response didn't sit well with me. I didn't want her to leave just yet. On impulse, I reached...